Gayton McKenzie makes PA election promise for Nelson Mandela Bay

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie says his party is ready to play a major role in Nelson Mandela Bay following the 2026 Local Government Elections.

McKenzie made the comments while announcing the PA’s ward councillors and mayoral candidate for Gqeberha ahead of the elections on 4 November.

Governed by the ANC

The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is currently governed through a coalition led by the African National Congress (ANC), with the political landscape expected to be closely contested.

Gayton McKenzie said the PA was prepared to work with any political party after the election, arguing that no party would secure an outright majority.

“There is no party that is going to get the outright majority … we work with everyone,” McKenzie said.

He said the PA’s focus would be on using political power to address issues such as jobs and service delivery.

McKenzie also criticised parties that publicly rule out working with certain political organisations while participating in coalition arrangements with them.

“DA has been telling us we are not going to work with ANC, we are all there working together with ANC,” he said.

McKenzie urged voters and political opponents not to underestimate the PA ahead of the election.

“Do not underestimate PA – we are going to be the king maker in coming elections,” he said.

PA targeting Eastern Cape growth

The PA has been seeking to expand its footprint in the Eastern Cape ahead of the local government elections.

In May 2025, Gayton McKenzie addressed a PA rally at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, where the party said it held two seats in the metro and was preparing for the 2026 elections.

The party has also made gains in Eastern Cape by-elections during 2026, including taking wards from established parties.

The PA has previously played a kingmaker role in Nelson Mandela Bay. SABC reported that the party emerged as a kingmaker in the metro following the 2016 municipal elections.

McKenzie’s latest comments therefore place coalition negotiations and the PA’s potential role in the metro firmly on the political agenda ahead of November’s vote.

However, the final composition of the council will depend on the election results and any subsequent coalition negotiations between parties.

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